Texas Teen Creates Seizure Aid Program

Have you ever seen a seizure? Have your friends and classmates witnessed a seizure during class? Most students haven’t. Even if you have seen one, many seizure types can be pretty scary. Would you know what to do?

Photo Courtesy of Cypress Creek Mirror

One student at Cy-Falls High School near Houston, Texas, saw another student suffer a seizure during class and was disappointed by her peers’ reactions. Junior Ja’Nae Hardy decided she needed to do something. She created and implemented Seizure Action Team Partners (SAT Partners), a student response program that helps provide a safe environment for those experiencing seizures. According to the Cypress Creek Mirror, Ja’Nae partnered with her school nurse, the local Epilepsy Foundation chapter, and her school’s chapter of Health Occupations Students of America to teach her classmates what to do if they witness someone having a seizure and how to keep them safe.

“With so many students and only one nurse, epileptic students may be left in their peers’ hands temporarily,” said Hardy. “Through my project, I hope to help students become well informed about seizures so that if they witness someone having one they would have first-hand knowledge on what to do to help.”

Ja’Nae Hardy recognized that having a seizure doesn’t just cause physical harm, but having one in public – especially in front of your classmates – can leave lasting emotional scars. Not only will this program provide gap care while the school nurse gets to the student, it will also educate students about seizures and provide physical and emotional comfort.

By setting up the SAT Partners program, Ja’Nae was also able to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. This prestigious award is only open to high school girls who identify a need in their community and come up with a sustainable and measurable solution. Only about 5% of Girl Scouts in the United States earn this award, which also opens doors for educational opportunities and scholarships through demonstrated leadership skills.

THANK YOU Ja’Nae for your hard work and for advocating for teens with epilepsy!

Click HERE to read the whole story from the Cypress Creek Mirror, then share your story! Have you witnessed – or had – a seizure in school? How did it affect you and your friends? Have you helped educate your friends and family about epilepsy and seizures? Let us know!